Voltaire once said, “Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.”
Perhaps, this is a good time to think about our values and about the process known as values clarification.
First, what do we mean when we talk of values? There is some general agreement in academic circles regarding the definition of the term “values.” For example, the University of Hong Kong website states: “Values are standards or ideals with which we evaluate actions, people, things, or situations. Beauty, honesty, justice, peace, generosity are all examples of values that many people endorse. In thinking about values, it is useful to distinguish them into three kinds:
“Personal values: values endorsed by an individual. For example, some people regard family as their most important values and structure their lives so that they can spend more time with their family. Other people might value success instead and give less time to their families in order to achieve their goals.
“Moral values: values that help determine what is morally right or wrong, e.g., freedom, fairness, equality, etc, well-being. Those which are used to evaluate social institutions are sometimes also known as political values.
“Aesthetic values: values associated with the evaluation of artwork or beauty.”
In another example, simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship, are the stated values of Quakers.
We develop our values through interaction with our families, friends, schools and religious institutions — essentially, through interaction with the cultural influences in which we grow up.
For some, a strictly homogeneous setting is the most advantageous for the education of the young. For others, diverse experiences and influences are most significant. This, in and of itself, is a difference in cultural values. We don’t all hold the same values. Our personal values differ.
What then is values clarification and why is it useful?
Many counselors, educators and psychotherapists are incorporating values clarification into their work with students and clients.
SmartRecovery.org shed light on values clarification. “The goal of ‘values clarification’ is for you to become fully conscious of their influence, and to explore and honestly acknowledge what you truly value at this time in your life. You can be more self-directed and effective when you know which values you really choose to keep and live by as an adult, and which ones will get priority over others.”
The American Psychological Association defines values clarification as “… any process intended to promote an individual’s awareness and understanding of his or her moral principles and ethical priorities and their relationships to behavior in daily life.” (See below link).
The Oxford University Press (see below link) describes values clarification as, “Values Clarification is an approach that helps clients clarify their goals, priorities and values, make decisions, and implement changes in their lives.”
In the same source, this process is outlined as asking “… clarifying questions and strategies in a structured format in individual counseling. … 1) Clarifying – clarifying the dilemma and acknowledging feelings. 2) Establishing goals and priorities. 3) Generating alternatives. 4) Exploring pros, cons and consequences. 5) Making a choice, freely, 6) Planning for action — determining next steps and committing to act.”
It further suggests “… four steps in any values clarification experience: choosing a value-rich topic, using values clarifying questions and activities, employing the valuing process and creating an atmosphere of safety and respect.”
Go to this link for a do-it-yourself values clarification process. https://www.smartrecovery.org/smart-recovery-toolbox/values-and-goals-clarification/
It’s worth a go.

Nothing in this article is meant to be medical advice. Please consult your health care provider.

https://quno.org/quaker-values
https://www.friendscommunityschool.org/about/mission–values
https://dictionary.apa.org/values-clarification
https://philosophy.hku.hk/think/value/
https://oxford.universitypressscholarship.com/view/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199972180.001.0001/acprof-9780199972180-chapter-2
“Values Clarification in Counseling and Psychotherapy: Practical Strategies for Individual and Group Settings” by Howard Kirschenbaum
https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheet/values-clarification
https://www.smartrecovery.org/smart-recovery-toolbox/values-and-goals-clarification/
Callie Wight is a California state-licensed registered nurse with a Master of Arts in psychology.